Committee honors corrections officers after jail suicide attempt, hears EMS update and approves Hartford Fire grant

The Washington County Public Safety Committee acknowledged two corrections officers for their actions after an inmate attempted suicide at the county jail and received an update on emergency medical services planning before approving a radio and public-safety grant for the Hartford Fire Department.

A representative of the sheriff’s office told the committee that on Aug. 11, 2024, at about 7:25 p.m. a male inmate attempted to take his own life by hanging. The presenter said officers Matthias and Thomas responded, opened a secured door that had been rigged with a bedsheet, removed the inmate from the hanging position, and performed life-saving measures until Westwood Fire and Rescue took over. The presenter said the inmate was transported for care and that the officers’ actions prevented a fatality.

The committee recognized the two corrections officers for their response; one officer was unable to attend because of a previously planned out-of-state family vacation. Committee members thanked the sheriff’s office staff for their work.

Chief Public Safety Officer Dave Sager briefed the committee on EMS planning, saying a healthcare strategist will present recommendations later this month and that county and fire officials are collaborating on how to manage current circumstances.

On a separate agenda item the committee moved and approved a grant related to municipal public safety radio equipment for the Hartford Fire Department. Members voted by voice; the chair declared the motion carried.

The meeting closed with an announcement that the committee’s next meeting will be April 16, 2025.